SUMMONING „Let the Mortal Heroes Sing Your Fame”
What do you think, how many people are there who never heard of “Hobbit” or “Lord of the Rings”? References to these great masterpieces have become usual in metal, and often leave the “lucky” buyer rather disappointed, because too many bands choose their name (or album title) in this way trying to draw attention while neither their music nor lyrics have anything to do with it (i.e. Cirith Gorgor, Ephel Duath, Gorgoroth, Morgoth, Nazgul etc…).
SUMMONING „Stronghold”
Summoning is a band from Austria that combine ambient, dark wave, keyboards and synths, black metal, ethnics and epic themes. The vocals are often black metal alike.
SUNTERRA „Lost Time”
Another release from Napalm recs. And thank god this time we have to face a more serious band.
SUSPERIA „Vindication”
This is SUSPERIA's sophomore disc and a damn fine one at that. Hailing from Norway and a five piece band that I do believe have found there groove in the scene.
SACRED WARRIOR „Rebellion”
Sacred Warrior is an American band which is playing Heavy Metal in vein of Queensryche with some influences od speed/thrash school. Everything would be OK., if the band hadn't decided to write christian lirycs, or if you like, use „holy word”.
TZEFA „Feed me”
Tzefa means viper in hebrew and it is a fitting name for this band that consists of Oleg (vocals+guitar) Yuri (Drummer) Alex (Bass) Konstantin (Guitar) and Slava (Classical vocals+violin). They are a melodic thrash band that trys to incorporate classical vocals and violin into there sound.
THOU ART LORD „Dv8”
Aaaaarrrggghhh!!!! Thou Art Lord is one of the greatest greek black metal acts ever and their two first albums are cult. When I first listened to their debut “Eosforos” (with an amazing cover), I was amazed by their music.
THY DISEASE „Cold Skin Obsession”
I will have to say I am not a huge fan of BLACK / DEATH METAL but I do have my moments and this disc is one of them. Never hearing of this band before and not knowing what I was in for kind of scared me at first but this is one of those disc's that I had to listen to more then once.
THY MAJESTIE „Hastings 1066”
Wow! On the first listen I was blown away. Epic power metal performed in an excellent manner with crystal clear production, mighty “Carmina Burana”-sque background choir signing, beautiful occasional female vocals and not so good male singer, hymnic melodies and multilayered arrangements.
TIAMAT „Clouds”
A true journey through mystic realms it's what Johan Edlund and co. make in this album.